Despite continuing low ratings, FOX renewed The Last Man on Earth TV show for a fourth season. Season four can be a dangerous time for low-rated TV series. While 100 episodes still may be the gold standard for syndication, in recent years, packages with 88 episodes or so (i.e. four seasons of around 22 episodes each) have sold well. However, this sitcom has had shorter than average seasons. A total of only 49 episodes were produced during its first three installments. Could that low count help it snag another pickup? Will The Last Man on Earth be cancelled or renewed for season five? Stay tuned. *See update below.
A FOX post-apocalyptic comedy, The Last Man on Earth stars Will Forte, Kristen Schaal, January Jones, Mel Rodriguez, Mary Steenburgen, and Cleopatra Coleman. After a deadly virus devastates the planet, Phil Tandy Miller (Forte) believes he’s the last human alive. Eventually, he finds other survivors and alternates between misery and elation. In season four, to avoid nuclear fallout, the survivors set sail for Mexico, even though none of them know how to pilot the boat. They also have to squeeze in two new passengers, Pamela (Kristen Wiig) and her dog, Jeremy.
The ratings are typically the best indication of a show’s likelihood of staying on the air. The higher the ratings (particularly in the 18-49 demo), the better the chances for survival. This chart will be updated as new ratings data becomes available — usually the next day, around 11:30am EST/8:30am PST. Refresh to see the latest.
5/7 update: You can see the latest night’s ratings in context.
Note: If you’re not seeing the updated chart, please try reloading the page or view it here.
For comparisons: The third season of The Last Man on Earth averaged a 0.89 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.124 million total viewers.
Note: These are the Live + Same Day Ratings which include “live” viewing plus delayed DVR viewing, up until 3am local time that same night. Ratings marked with an “*” are the fast affiliate ratings and will be updated with the Live+SD numbers when they are made available. Typically, networks get paid for C+3 ratings which includes DVR viewing within three days of the original airing when commercials are watched. Those numbers are rarely released to the press.
What do you think? Do you still like The Last Man on Earth TV show? Should it be cancelled or renewed for a fifth season on FOX?
5/10/18 update: FOX has cancelled The Last Man on Earth so there won’t be a fifth season. Details here.
I missed many episodes during season 4 due to the care of my father who now has passed. But i have to say, this is the ONLY show i have routinely watched in years. I am heartbroken at its cancellation. We will miss knowing what happens to our beloved friends since im sure their adventures will continue hidden from us. Please dont take them from us.
I absolutely love this show! Please don’t cancel it! I have to know what happens next! Best show on Hulu.
This show definitely deserves another season!! You can’t just leave us where the gang stumbles on more people, the very people who walked out from under the ground, apparently there the entire show! This show is GREAT and I love it!! I want more n more of this hilarious TV show!! #getitdone
This is LITERALLY the best comedy show I have ever watched. The ideas are fresh, the suspens, the characters, the script everything is great. It must get a chance of season 5. THESE RATINGS ARE OF LIVE TV but many many people watch the show on other platforms. I watch it on Hulu.
Easily the best show on TV. The Comedy is unlike any other kind. Please keep this outstanding show going. To end on a cliffhanger of this variety would be a major disservice to the millions of die hard fans, who love this show.
GREAT SHOW! More please!
The best show ever. Me and my family allways sit together and watch the newest episode right when we can. Please make a season 5 or even 6.
It’s quirky and fun! I’d LOVE to see it renewed for season 5!
Love this show. Please Please keep it going. It makes my Sunday night!
This has been a must watch show! I is so unique and interesting that I could watch this show for many years
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I can’t understand how it can possibly have low ratings!! Honestly, this is the best funny series out there!!! Most of them are not funny at all.. The Last Man on Earth is funny, innovating and just fun to watch!
Its my absolutte favorite show on tv. i never miss an episode. the comedy writing is fresh , and the characters grow more interesting with every season. i never know what to expect, but i laugh my ass off. dont you dare take this show off the air.
I’m so surprised that it has low ratings, I honestly would’ve never guessed!!! I totally agree with Joshua Allen, it is hard to gauge when so many people watch it on other platforms. I watch it on Hulu, and it definitely needs to keep going!
Surprised it has received low ratings… I cannot WAIT to find out whether Mike is alive, which is how season 4 ended… “Last man on Earth” is a show that simply makes you lay back carefree! Fingers-crossed
Why not keep it going at least one more season? It is hard to gage the ratings when so many watch shows other ways than live TV. At the very least let them wrap up the show.